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Blues: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of the blues; it is ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this treasured American artform. The book is organized chronologically, focusing on the major eras in blues's growth and development. It opens with a chapter defining the blues form and detailing the major genres within it. Next, the author gives the beginning blues fan points on how to listen to and truly enjoy the music. The heart of the book traces blues's growth from its folk origins through early recordings of city blues singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith and country blues stars like Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Finally, the author gives an overview of the blues scene today. The book concludes with lists of key recordings, books, and videos.

About the Author

Dick Weissman was Associate Professor of Music and Music Industry Studies from 1990-2002 at the University of Colorado at Denver. He has published many books on music, notably The Music Business: Career Opportunities and Self-Defense, now in its third edition. He lives in Portland, OR.

Introduction

p. 1

Some Caveats

p. 4

The Roots of The Blues: 1619-1919

p. 5

Timeline: 1619-1919

p. 5

History and Origins of the Blues

p. 6

African Musical Traits in African American Music

p. 9

African American Spirituals

p. 10

Early Black Secular Music

p. 13

The Minstrel Show

p. 14

The Early Blues

p. 17

Social Conditions at the Birth of the Blues: 1870s-1900

p. 17

The Blues: 1890-1920

p. 18

Subject Matter

p. 20

Ragtime and Early Jazz

p. 21

Blues Structure

p. 23

Learning to Play or Sing the Blues

p. 25

Summary

p. 27

The 1920s: Documented Beginnings of the Classic and Rural Blues

p. 28

Timeline: The 1920s

p. 28

Ma Rainey and Her Influence on the Blues

p. 30

Bessie Smith: Empress of the Blues

p. 33

The Recordings and Importance of Bessie Smith

p. 35

He Done Me Wrong: Classic Blues Subjects

p. 37

Other Blues Women of the 1920s

p. 39

Women and the Folk Blues

p. 42

Jazz Influences on the Blues

p. 43

Summary

p. 43

The Folk Blues: 1920-1940

p. 44

Timeline: 1920-1940

p. 44

African American Musical Styles

p. 44

Why the Classic Blues Were Recorded Before the Folk Blues

p. 45

Blind Lemon Jefferson

p. 47

The Jug Bands

p. 50

Delta Blues

p. 52

Charley Patton

p. 52

Robert Johnson: His Life, the Music, the Controversies, and the Legend